Football Season Guide

Celtic come into this season as defending champions – and Brendan Rodgers’ side are heavy favourites to win the Scottish Premiership title once again. Their summer has been an unspectacular one, yet that is likely all that is required to keep them ahead of the chasing pack, with rivals Rangers apparently significantly weaker than they were last term, when the Bhoys finished seven points clear of them. It was Celtic’s mentality in the big matches that was vital last term. They won three of their four games against Rangers, which accounted for the gap between the teams, yet the gulf seems to have grown in recent weeks. The Hoops’ fans, though, are not happy. They believe their board should have invested more heavily in the playing staff, particularly as there is the guarantee of Champions League football once again. New signings are likely to come, with an addition at the forefront of the attack to support Kyogo Furuhashi considered essential. Adam Idah, who enjoyed a decent loan spell last term, looks favourite to return. In midfield, meanwhile, there is a genuine fear that the Hoops will lose Matt O’Riley, who led them both in goals and assists last season and is a player they will not be able to replace with someone of like-for-like quality. It will be a big blow if he does indeed depart. O’Riley appears the only first-team player who might leave before the transfer deadline, meaning Celtic would otherwise retain all of their important outfielders. In defence, Celtic are entirely untouched. This is not necessarily a positive thing, particularly for the Champions League campaign as they lack quality in the middle, especially when Cam Carter-Vickers is not available. They are also weak on the left. There is a change in goal as Joe Hart has retired, yet the early signs are that free agent Kasper Schmeicel has been an excellent addition to the squad.